By Ibrahim Musa, Abuja
Barely weeks to its scheduled May 23 presidential convention, the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be headed for an internal contest as an Edo-born politician, Osifo Stanley, has formally declared his intention to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the party’s 2027 presidential primary.
Stanley’s declaration comes despite a wave of endorsements for Tinubu following the party’s March national convention, where governors, federal lawmakers, and key stakeholders backed the President as sole candidate. Several state chapters, including those in Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ekiti, and Lagos, had also publicly aligned with the endorsement, suggesting a consensus within the party.
However, speaking to journalists in Abuja, Stanley signaled a break from that position, stating that he had already requested the party’s financial details to enable him purchase the nomination forms, underscoring that his ambition is a serious one.
Grounding his position in law, he argued that endorsements do not override constitutional provisions guiding party primaries.
“I believe strongly that we all have the right to enjoy our constitutionally-guaranteed rights to run,” he said, referencing both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
He continued, “There is no part of our party’s constitution that says when people have endorsed you, you automatically become the candidate.
There is no such law in our party Constitution or in Nigeria that endorsement is a pathway to candidacy. The process of primary elections remains valid and open.”
Outlining his agenda, the aspirant identified economic recovery and national security as top priorities.
“Our plan is to reposition Nigeria out of its lingering economic challenges and set clear priorities,” he said, adding that “the economy and security form the foundation upon which every other development depends.”
His emergence is expected to test the APC’s internal democratic process and could reshape the political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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